Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

I heard Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam say, “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the Salaah (prayer), paying the Zakaat (obligatory charity), making the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in (the month of) Ramadaan.” [Saheeh Bukhari] [Saheeh Muslim]

…

| BRIEF EXPLANTION |

“Islam has been built on five [pillars]

Islam is like a structure built on five pillars. The Kalimah (Imaan) forms the central pillar and the remaining four pillars, give support to the overall structure.

…

testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

The first and most fundamental Pillar (of Islam) is the Kalimah (Imaan). Our salvation in the Aakhirah depends on the acceptance of Islam and Imaan. One has to believe in the Kalimah Tayyibah sincerely and affirm its meaning. This Kalimah is the basis of our entire Deen. Without this Kalimah (Imaan) our good deeds will not be accepted by Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala.

When one recites the Kalimah sincerely the doors of the sky are opened for it, until this Kalimah reaches the Arsh of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala [Tirmidhi].

If the Kalimah had to placed on one pan of the scale and the skies and the earth in the other pan, the Kalimah will outweigh the latter.

…

establishing the Salaah (prayer),

After the Kalimah, the next most important pillar of this structure of Deen is Salaah. The implementation of Salaah becomes a great shield against sins and acts of disobedience. Salaah is a deliverance on the Day of Qiyaamah for those who used to observe it well. The very first A’mal (deed) concerning Huququllah (the rights of Allah) of which man will be will be accountable for on the day of Qiyamah, will be Salaah. If the Salaah is found to be sound, the rest of his deeds will also be satisfactory.

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan:

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَوَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ

And they who carefully maintain their prayers – [Surat Al-Mu’minūn 23:9]

The parting advice of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam just before he left this world were “الصَّلاَةَ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ” … The prayer; and those whom your (right hands) possess. [Sunan Ibn Majah], which means : Vigilantly observe, guard and establish the Salaah and fear Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala regarding your slaves and your subordinates.

Some of the Virtues of Salaah are the following: (1) Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will forgive his sins. (2) He will not be counted amongst the Ghaafileen (negligent one’s). (3) His minor sins are shed off his body. (4) It will be a means of Nur (light), Burhan (proof) and Najaat (salvation) for him on the day of Qiyaamah. (5) He will gain the Mercy and blessings of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala. (6) Salaah is a key to Jannah.

…

paying the Zakaat (obligatory charity),

Zakaat purifies and eliminates the impurities that have accumulated in a person’s wealth.

Zakaat also means to ‘grow’ and thus is a means of increasing the barakah of a person’s wealth.

When a person does not discharge his Zakaat, this will result in misfortune and calamities settling over him. There will be depletion in wealth and elimination of Barakah. People will suffer famine. And, he will be thrown into Jahannum.

It is mentioned in the Ahaadeeth, that those who hoard gold and silver, but did not discharge Zakaat regarding it, will be punished with the same wealth (of gold and silver) for a duration of 50 000 years on the day of Qiyamah.

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183]

The importance of fasting (the fourth pillar of Islam) is abundantly established in numerous verses of the Noble Qur’aan and the Ahaadeeth of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. The superiority of fasting over other deeds, is in relation to certain special characteristics, such as, the degree of sincerity. Fasting has in it a very inconspicuous nature, whereas other acts of Ibaadah (Salaah, Zakaat, Hajj) are conspicuous in varying degrees. Fasting is totally concealed. Only Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala is aware whether the person is fasting or not, hence it Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala mentions in a Hadith-e-Qudsi : الصَّوْمُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ ،Fasting is for Me, and I Myself, will reward the fasting person. [Saheeh Bukhaari]

By virtue of fasting, a person is protected from internal and external diseases.

A person who is fasting experiences two occasions of delight : (1) When he meets his Rabb and receives his reward for fasting (2) and the other at the time of Iftaar.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadith : “الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ” Fasting is a shield. [Saheeh Muslim]. It protects a person from the fire of Jahannum and from sin.

…

making pilgrimage to the House

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory for a person to make Hajj of the Baitullah (for the sake of Allah). For all those who have the ability and them means to perform the Hajj. Hajj is actually a demonstration of the love of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala and this flavour of love permeates in the different acts of Hajj. A stern warning has been given to those who have ‘the means’ both physically and financially, but neglect this command of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned : “Whoever has the provisions and the means to convey him to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala’s house (the Kaabah) and he does not perform Hajj, then it does not matter if he dies as a Jew or a Christian”. [Tirmidhi]

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned :“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression shall return [free from sins] as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him”. [Saheeh Bukhaari]

For a Hajj, free from evil, vice and sin, there is no reward but Jannah.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu reported: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Hasten with righteous deeds before you are overtaken by trials and tribulations, which would be like huge chunks of a ‘dark night’.A man would be a believer in the morning and turn to disbelief in the evening, or he would be a believer in the evening and turn a disbeliever in the morning. He would sell his Faith for worldly goods.” – [Muslim]

In Arabic, Baadiroo بادروا comes from the wordMubadara مبادرة which means to ‘rush’ or ‘hasten’.In this Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, the Believers are encouraged to ‘rush towards’ and not to procrastinate with righteous deeds. When the inclination to do good deeds comes very strongly in one’s heart, then one should not delay, but should immediately do the good deed that he is prompted towards.

The Hadith further explains that a time will draw closer (before Qiyamah) where abounding trials and tribulations will increase and appear in quick succession (one after another) and it will render righteous deeds that a person had intentions of performing, impossible. One will be overwhelmed and overcome by different types of severe tests and difficulties and will not get the chance, nor the time to pursue one’s virtuous aspirations.

Like a traveller that encounters the pervading and ever-increasing darkness of the evening… similar will be the adversities and hardships of a Believer at this time. Each time he overcomes one darkness (trial), suddenly there is another piece or chunk of darkness (another trial) awaiting him, so in this way, the person will not be able to do the good deeds that he desired.

. . .

Selling One’s Faith

In these times of Fitan, a person will sell his Deen for the sake of Dunya. Layers upon layers of darkness will engulf a persons heart to such an extent that the heart will become extremely hard and completely Ghaafil (heedless and negligent of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala). A person will find it extremely difficult to differentiate between truth and falsehood and right and wrong and this will become the reason for his wretchedness and pitiable condition.

(1) One will have Imaan in the morning but he will sell his Imaan in lieu of a few coins (worldly gain). (2) One will regard the usurping of his brothers rights and wealth as Halaal (permissible). (3) One will regard the prohibition of Riba (interest) to be Halaal and will not be bothered about the command of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala.

When occurrences like these become prevalent, then, a person will not be able to safeguard his Deen and will release his Imaan. This is what Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam refers to as : “A person will be a Believer in the morning and a disbeliever by the evening” …

. . .

Fastabiqul Khayraat ~ Competing in Goodness

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala (the Most Kind and the Most Merciful) mentions, selected verses in the Quraan Shareef regarding Fastabiqul Khayraatفَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ which motivate and encourage the Believers to race each other in all things that are good and full of reward :

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَHasten towards the forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous~ Surah Al Imraan 3:133

أُولَٰئِكَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَابِقُونَIt is those who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein~ Surah Al Mu’minun 23:61

When Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala says “Hasten towards good deeds”, the person will actually be ‘responding to the call of Allah‘ and in return, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will grant the person the Taufeeq (ability) of doing more and more praiseworthy deeds and this will be a Daleel (proof) of his strong Imaan.

The moment Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala grants a person the Taufeeq (ability) to perform A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), then one must inculcate Istiqaamat (be steadfast) on the deed, and safeguard oneself from the ever increasing and intensifying Fitan. The fruits of hastening towards A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), is that Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will become the Beloved of this person and will open and pave the way towards Jannah.

. . .

How Does A Person Hasten Towards Good Deeds?

(1) Aquire knowledge regarding the virtues of good deeds

Ulema explain, that to create within oneself the Shawq (the desire and yearning) to perform A’maal e Sawlihah (righteous deeds), one should acquire knowledge regarding the significance and virtues of the different good deeds (eg : nafl salaah, zikrullah, nafl fasts, giving sadaqah). When one reads the virtues of these good deeds and when the desire is created, then do not delay and immediately plunge into that righteous deed and perform it!

Nafs and Shaytaan have different ways of luring and enticing a person, deceiving him, ie : by causing him to delay and not perform the good deed. A person who is aware of the virtues of Tahajjud Salaah, may wake up at night and have the desire to perform this noble act. However, Nafs and Shaytaan will play games with one’s mind and tell a person, “it’s a bit cold”, “read later”, “lie down for a little while”, “ there’s still time before Fajr”… No! This is the time when a person should make Mubadara (make an initiative and rush towards the good deed).

(2) Giving Da’wah (invite others) towards good deeds

A Believer ought to invite others towards good A’maal (actions). The more a person propagates, teaches and spreads meritorious deeds, then Allah Ta’ala will also accord this person the Taufeeq of doing those A’maal.

(3) Make Dua to Allah Ta’ala

Dua is the weapon of the Believer. Make Dua to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala with your intentions of performing these good deeds and seek refuge in Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala from all Fitan (trials, tribulations, suffering, calamities, punishment, difficulties, sins, tests).

It was narrated from Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (RA) that he went out one day to the mosque of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and he found Hazrat Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) sitting by the grave of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, weeping.

I heard Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam say: ‘*(1) A little showing off (Riya) is polytheism (Shirk) and *(2) whoever shows enmity towards a friend of Allah has declared war on Allah. *(3) Allah loves those who are pious, righteous, and keep a low profile (unostentatious); those who, if they are absent, are not missed, and if they are present, they are not invited or acknowledged. Their hearts are lamps of guidance and they emerge from every dark and remote place’”

….……..

*(1) Riya ~ Ostentation

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam mentioned :Verily, a little bit of RIya (show/ostentation) tantamounts to Shirk (polytheism). When ever we do any actions (Salaah, Zakaat, Hajj, fasting, or any good deed) it should be done ‘solely for the pleasure of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala. It should not be done to show people, that we get some praises from them.

In a Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, Riya has been termed as ‘Ash Shirk-ul-Khafi’.

• Ash Shirk-ul -Jali (Major Shirk)~ When a person knowingly, deliberately associates partners with Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala … He believes in Allah and believes that Allah has got partners … He does not believe in the “oneness” of Allah.

• Ash Shirk-ul-Khafi (Minor Shirk) : Although not minor in the true sense, it is a very serious offence. It is minor as compared to Ash Shirk Ul Jali.

When a person does believe only in Allah and he is praying to Allah, but he also does these good actions so that others may observe him and think him to be pious and praise him.He is ostentatious.

Allah the Exalted said: Verily, I am most independent of any partner. Whoever performs a deed in which he associates someone with me, I will leave it to his partner (I will not accept the deed as done solely for me) ~ Sahih Muslim 2985

Allah Ta’ala says : I am the most independent from any type of partnership. i do not require any partners. If anyone did any action for me and partnered me with somebody else (in any action), (whereas i did not require any partner), then on the day of Qiyamah, Allah will tell the person that in reality he did those actions for others … now he should go and collect his rewards from them … and not from Allah Ta’ala.

In another Hadith it is mentioned :

Hazrat Abu Sa’eed RA reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam came to us while we were discussing about Dajjaal and said: “Should I inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the dangers of Dajjaal? It is “hidden Shirk”: A person stands to pray, and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him.” ~( Sunan ibn Maajah)

Some times people go for Umrah and Hajj and want people to know how long they spent in the Haram Shareef, how many Tawaafs they made, and how much of Ibadat they made, and how much of Tilawat they made … all for people to praise them. This tantamounts to Shirk Al Khafi.

A person who fasts for people to praise him … then he too has committed shirk.

These are important things that we should refrain from. We should rather develop in ourselves Ikhlaas (sincerity) … ie : doing something only for the pleasure of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala

Ikhaas : Sincerity

Ikhlaas is the root of all our deeds and actions (A’maal). Ulema give the analogy of the roots of a tree : The roots of a tree are hidden beneath the soil. If the roots are good and they are cared for, then the tree will also grow well and bear good fruit. If the roots are destroyed, the entire tree will decay and become decomposed and will not flourish. Similarly, the roots of the tree represent Ikhlaas … One must conceal one’s deeds (like the roots of a tree) to develop Ikhlaas …

In Deen we require this “Ikhfaa” (concealment) and should hide our deeds, and not do things for show and ostentation. Deeds performed privately and in public done solely for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala ie Ikhlaas (the concealed ‘roots’) brings about the beauty of Islam.

No matter what achievements we may achieve in this world, always think and reflect that whatever achievements we have, whatever bounties we possess, (eg: intelligence or a certain skill) all this is only from Allah.…

Ibn Al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said, “Deeds without sincerity are like a traveler who carries ‘sand’ in his leather bag instead of provisions (food and drink). The carrying of it only burdens him and it brings him no benefit whatsoever. ”

Like that, a person may do actions in this world and get praises of people in this world but in the Aakhirah he only gets Azhaab (punishment) for this because he did not do it for the sake of Allah.

….……..

*(2) Declaration of War

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam then mentioned : That person who becomes an enemy of any friend of Allah…ie : He opposes a Wali (friend) of Allah, then in reality he is challenging Allah with war. He is waging war against Allah! Can anybody wage war against Allah? Therefore, we should be extremely cautious when dealing with the friends of Allah … We should not harbour malice against them … nor make any blasphemous statements against them, nor oppose them in any way …because Allah Ta’ala will take revenge on their behalf…and we will be destroyed …

….……..

*(3) Allah Loves those who are Righteous and Pious

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam then mentioned : Allah loves the pious and those who are ‘hidden’ and have a low profile. They are not prominent people in society. They are inconspicuous, low profile people. Such people, when they are not present, they are not even asked about, i.e. : No one checks or enquires about this person and his whereabouts. Even if they are in the town, they are not invited for any function or meal. If they are present in any gathering, then they are not called closer or given any special treatment. They are quiet, modest, unnoticeable, low profile people.

But, their condition is such that Allah loves them! Why? They are pious … They may not be well known and famous in society but, they are‘well known’ in the eyes of Allah. Their hearts are lanterns and lamps of guidance. They are the true Guides that emerge from every dark place (dwelling). Their homes are dark but their hearts are illuminated … and such people are close to Allah.

Mullah Ali Qari RA has given another explanation (in which he explains) : These people emerge (come out) of every difficulty no matter what they are burdened with or entrusted with. They are able to fulfil all those tasks because they have illuminated hearts …

Others have explained : Even though they are born in an evil environment, they are not affected by that environment because their hearts are full of light and noor and they move out and guide the rest of mankind.

When making Dua, we should Ask Allah Ta’ala to grant us the intercession of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam on the day of Qiyamah and bless us with the water of Haudh-e-Kauthar from his Mubaruk hands … If we bring the True Sunnats into our lives, together with making a proper Whudu and performing Salaah, we will acquire a brightness on our faces on the day of Qiyamah and Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam will very easily recognise us and give us the water of Haudh-e-Kauthar from his Mubaruk hands to drink….

“My Fountain (Kauthar) is so long that it takes a month’s journey to cross it. Its water is whiter than milk, and its smell is more fragrant than musk, and its drinking cups are (as numerous) as the (number of) stars in the sky; and whoever drinks from it, will never be thirsty.”

“Some men from my companions will come to my Al-haud (Lake-Fount) and they will be driven away from it, and I will say, ‘O Lord, my companions!’ It will be said, ‘You have no knowledge of what they innovated after you left: they turned apostate as renegades (reverted from Islam).

23RD NIGHT _ Sunday 20 July _ After Taraweeh1 > Brief Explanation of Selected Verses of Surahs | Surahs of the 24th Juz | Not losing hope in the Mercy of Allah | The Angels seek forgiveness on behalf of the Repentant Believer | Angels of Mercy descend to aid the Steadfast Believer against Shaytaan, at the time of his Death | The Importance of Calling towards Allah

Monday 21 July _ After Taraweeh >Brief Explanation of Selected Verses of Surahs |Surahs of the 25th Juz | Turning to Allah Ta’ala in times of difficulty and prosperity | The Qualities of Tawakkul – Abstaining from major sins and immorality – Controlling of anger and forgiving the offender – Making regular Mashwarah – Spending on others – Not taking revenge and being patient | Destruction of Firaun and his leaving behind his entire kingdom | Greatness belongs only to Allah

Wednesday 23 July _ After Taraweeh > Brief Explanation of Selected Verses of Surahs | Only the Believers will have Noor on the day of Qiyamah | The fate of the Hypocrites | The time has dawned to submit and surrender to Allah Ta’ala | Zikrullah softens the Hard Heart

• Sunday 13 July _ After Taraweeh > Brief Explanation of Selected Verses of Surah Al Ambiyaa and Surah Al Hajj | Discussion on the first verse of Surah Ambiyaa on mans heedlessness and involvement in frivolous pursuits despite the closeness of Qiyaamah | How Allah Ta’ala aided the various Messengers and responded to them, when they supplicated and called out to Him during their difficult moments.

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